When it comes to reliable printing, Brother is one of the most respected names in the market. Known particularly for its laser printers, Brother consistently delivers models that perform well in expert lab tests. However, not every model is worth your money — so it’s important to know which ones are the real winners before you buy.
While Brother mainly focuses on laser printers, it also produces a smaller selection of inkjet machines. Compared to rivals like Canon, Epson, and HP, Brother’s inkjet range is limited, and so far none of its inkjets have earned top recommendations from expert reviews.
Are Brother Printers Any Good?
Yes — but it depends on what you need.
- Laser printers are Brother’s strong suit, with several models achieving Best Buy and Great Value status in independent reviews.
Inkjet printers, on the other hand, are less impressive. They tend to lag behind competitors in terms of features and performance.
Brother Printer Awards
- Laser Printers: 1 Best Buy, 2 Great Value picks
- Inkjet Printers: 1 Great Value pick, but no Best Buys
So, if you’re leaning toward Brother, you’ll likely get the best experience with their laser range.
Understanding Brother’s Printer Ranges
Brother’s naming conventions can help you quickly identify what a model offers:
- HL Series – Standard laser printers (monochrome or color).
- DCP Series – Multifunction printers (scan, copy, print) but no fax. Available as both inkjet and laser.
- MFC Series – Higher-end all-in-one printers that include fax.
- J Models – Inkjet printers.
- L Models – Laser printers.
- DW/dw – Stands for Duplex + Wi-Fi, meaning the printer supports automatic double-sided printing and wireless connectivity.
Third-Party Ink: Can You Use It?
One common frustration with printers is the high price of branded ink. Thankfully, Brother printers are compatible with third-party cartridges. While Brother officially recommends its own inks, surveys show that many customers prefer non-branded alternatives, praising them for excellent quality and much lower costs.
Verdict: Should You Buy a Brother Printer?
- Choose Brother laser printers if you want fast, efficient, and reliable printing — especially for home offices or small businesses.
- Consider other brands like Canon or Epson if you’re looking for a feature-rich inkjet printer with higher-quality photo printing.
- Take advantage of third-party inks to save money without sacrificing print quality.
Top 7 FAQs About Brother Printers
1. Are Brother printers good for home use?
Yes. Brother printers, especially their laser models, are highly rated for speed, durability, and low running costs, making them a smart choice for home and small office use.
2. Which is better: Brother inkjet or laser printers?
Brother’s laser printers are usually the better option, as they’re faster, more efficient, and longer-lasting. The inkjet range is more limited and not as strong compared to rivals like Canon or Epson.
3. Can I use third-party ink in my Brother printer?
Yes. All Brother printers accept third-party cartridges, and surveys show users often find them cheaper and just as good in quality as Brother’s original ink.
4. What do Brother printer model codes mean?
- HL = Laser printer
- DCP = All-in-one without fax
- MFC = All-in-one with fax
- J = Inkjet model
- L = Laser model
- DW/dw = Duplex + Wi-Fi
5. Are Brother printers expensive to maintain?
Not usually. Brother is well-regarded for low-cost printing, especially with its mono laser printers. Using third-party toner or ink can reduce costs even further.
6. Do Brother printers last long?
Yes. Brother printers are known for being reliable and durable, especially the laser models. Many customers report years of use without major problems.
7. Are Brother printers good for photo printing?
Not really. Brother’s focus is on document printing, so if you want high-quality photo prints, an inkjet from Canon or Epson may be a better fit.
Conclusion
Brother remains one of the top choices for laser printers in 2025, delivering reliable performance, fast speeds, and excellent value for money. While its inkjet models aren’t as competitive, Brother still offers solid multifunction options for everyday home and office use. If you’re after cost-effective, durable printing, especially for text-heavy tasks, Brother laser printers are hard to beat.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Product availability, specifications, and prices may change over time. Always check the latest reviews and details before making a purchase. We may reference third-party inks and cartridges, but it’s your responsibility to ensure compatibility with your printer model.